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NBA Offseason: Top 5 most underrated moves so far this summer

By Holden Walter-Warner

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 23: Jarred Vanderbilt #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a call on the court in the fourth quarter of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Target Center on March 23, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 125-116. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 23: Jarred Vanderbilt #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a call on the court in the fourth quarter of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Target Center on March 23, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 125-116. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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NBA Offseason
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 13: Otto Porter Jr. #32 of the Golden State Warriors sets the play against Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 13, 2022 in San Francisco, California, NBA Offseason: Top 5 most underrated moves so far this summer. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

NBA Offseason: Top 5 most underrated moves so far this summer – 1. Toronto Raptors sign Otto Porter Jr.

The Toronto Raptors have quietly closed in on being a factor in the Eastern Conference once more. Signing Otto Porter Jr. to a team-friendly deal should prove to be the feather in their offseason cap.

Porter signed a two-year, $12.3 million contract with the Raptors this summer. The contract took some by surprise, especially as it seemed like the wing could re-up with the defending champions.

Instead, he decided to take his talents north of the border, perhaps accelerating the franchise’s push back into contention. The 29-year-old averaged 8.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in a part-time role with the Golden State Warriors.

The 3&D forward was a strong shooter last year, hitting 37 percent of his threes. He also made more than 80 percent of his attempts from the free throw line.

Porter will provide some much-needed three-point shooting to the team. With his size, he’ll also be a perfect fit in the position-fluid system Nick Nurse likes to run out on the court.

OG Anunoby remains on the Raptors’ roster, meaning Porter will likely find himself coming off the bench. But he could start if Anunoby is shipped elsewhere. Otherwise, Porter becomes an elite bench wing.

It’s also a coup for the Raptors to sign a significant free agent, something that hasn’t happened often enough for the franchise. Porter had family reasons linked to the decision, but having a key cog of a title winner go up north could inspire others to do the same.

Otto Porter’s move to Canada may not rise to the level of Rudy Gobert going to Minnesota. But it could quietly propel the Toronto Raptors back into some serious discussion this season.

Next. 5 best contracts this offseason. dark